While all of this can seem daunting to wrap your head around, for the most part those in the industry who have already begun traveling have nothing but good news to report!

Most of the above changes are allowing for more personalized services to be administered to each guest, and you can rest soundly in the knowledge that cleanliness and hygiene standards have never been higher!
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When it comes to planning where you want to go next and understanding the new protocols, my best advice is to reach out so that we can discuss the kind of experience that you're looking for and tailor a vacation to suit your needs.

Stay safe, positive and hopeful! 
Experiences Await...
#experiencesawait #destinationshd

One of the biggest problems with many train tours, is that you often end up sleeping through a large portion of your travels. Of course, this means you miss much of the scenery. Perhaps one of the most enticing aspects of the train tours offered by Rocky Mountaineer is that they feature daylight-only train tours so you won’t miss anything along the way!
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While you ride in comfort viewing picture-perfect landscapes, you’ll be treated to outstanding service, gourmet meals, complimentary alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, sweet and savory snacks, and much more. The train cars give you the best seat possible to discover the wildlife and the surroundings thanks to the glass-dome windows that allow you to take in the sights without obstruction, and without the need to worry about the elements. Then, once the sun goes down, the train will stop and transfer you to a hotel where you can explore the area, before you settle in for a comfortable night of sleep. ​

1). First Passage to the West
This two-day rail journey takes you from the Pacific Coast to Banff Lake Louise along the same route that was traveled more than 125 years ago. Along the way, you will witness mountains and wilderness that remains largely unchanged since those days of the first explorers.​

2). Journey through the Clouds
This is another two-day rail journey, on which you will travel through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, with all of nature’s raw beauty on full display. The highlights of this tour include the majestic Mount Robson and the postcard-perfect Pyramid Falls. Stops include Vancouver, Kamloops, and Jasper.
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3). Rainforest to Gold Rush
Finally is the three-day rail tour with stops in Vancouver, Whistler, Quesnel, and Jasper. This tour will take you from one extreme to another - from the world’s largest temperate rainforest to the arid ranchlands of the historic Cariboo Gold Rush region. Although there’s no gold left, the area is still rich in natural beauty.

To learn more about this truly unforgettable journey of a lifetime, call me or schedule your consultation now!
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Stay safe, positive and hopeful! 
Experiences Await...

Anticipated Resort Sanitation Protocols:

Properties are increasing their hygiene and sanitation protocols (which, honestly, is a great thing!) You can expect to find new “greetings” other than handshakes and hugs, along with a contactless guest interaction experience. You can anticipate the following (but not limited to):

• Sanitation of luggage and electronic devices upon check-in.
• Expedited check-in and check-out services – many of these processes will now transition to be able to completed via the property app which you’ll be able to download to your phone or use on one of the properties electronic devices.
• Temperature and health checks may be mandated upon check-in and returning from off-site activities; should a guest present symptoms upon arrival, they may be directed to an isolation area where they will need to consult with a physician (charges may apply).
• Properties may require a review of guest travel records for the past 14 days to avoid travel from “hot spots”
• Guests may be required to complete a health declaration form confirming that they are free of any COVID-19 related symptoms, have not tested positive or come into contact with anyone who has tested positive within the last 30 days.
• Staff may be required to wear face masks – and depending on where you are traveling, guests may be required to wear face masks also in public places.
• Dining could be limited to being seated with only those you are traveling with, with tables a minimum of 6ft apart – parties of 5 or more may be required to make reservation at restaurants that otherwise do not require reservations.
• Activities may be limited to only those that don’t require physical contact or closeness between staff and guests.
• Area attractions may be closed or available with new procedural protocols.
• Some facilities or options may not be available or operational during your visit – this could mean that some restaurants may be closed or operating with limited menu’s, buffet’s may be closed entirely, some included activities may not be available, or amenities that require close contact or high risk of contact may be suspended or closed, such as swim-up bars, nightclubs etc.
  
  

Potential Enhanced Protocols for Airports:

• Face masks may be required for the duration of your time in the airport and for the duration of your flight – this will vary dependent on the airport that you are traveling through and airline carrier.
• Airports may require that only the persons traveling are allowed to enter the terminal.
• Some airport facilities may not be open/operational and/or have new dining, purchasing, browsing protocols in place.
• Airports may elect to utilize a sanitation spray throughout the jet bridge walk as you board your plane.
• Temperature checks and health screenings may be mandated – if so, and you register a temperature, you may be denied boarding.
• Arrival temperature/health screenings may also be implemented at your destination and you could be denied entry as well.
• Social distancing will be practiced in all airport areas and, as such, security screenings, checking in and, boarding processes may take longer than expected.
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Things YOU Should Consider Prior to Your Travel:

• Are you immune-compromised?
• Do you get temperatures often?
• Are you flexible and willing to adapt to potential new policies or requirements that may be implemented when you travel? (wearing a face mask, adhering to sanitation requirements, isolation if you have a temperature) 
• Are you prepared to quarantine - at your own expense - should you present with COVID-19 symptoms while traveling?

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, I know that there are so many of us who won’t be able to celebrate our mother’s, mother figures, and the outstanding father’s who’ve played both Mom and Dad to us, in quite the same way this year.

With travel restrictions slowly lifting however, we can give the Gift of Reconnection in the form of a future travel certificate – and start thinking about the kind of travel that we can safely embark on as we enter our new normal way of life.
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For those of us wanting to get back into the world and see new places or different scenery, but who are still wary of jumping right back into the fray of extensive multi-destination trips or mega-resorts, there are a number of smaller boutique and secluded style options available that are ideal to start. Let's explore a few of those today... ​

With all that in mind, I wanted to point out a few of the styles and benefits of different tour experience opportunities...

Tour Benefits:

• Your trip is under the umbrella of ONE vendor - keep payments simple, rebook with ease should another crisis arise, and ensure all travel plans are consistent and organized from start to finish.
• You don’t need to try to source accommodations on your own - take the guess work out from the thousands of options, plus you have someone in destination to take care of things right away. 
• Local guides are included - personal knowledge, recommendations, and stories providing an authentic cultural experience you will miss on your own. 
• Depending on the tour, some activities, entrance fees, and meals will be included - including access to “skip-the-line” tickets and activities that the general public won't be able to enjoy! You don't know what you don't know - let the professionals show you what you may have missed. 
• Transportation and luggage handling are usually included - no more lugging your own bags over cobblestone streets, between trains, taxis, buses, etc... Arrive care free and maximize your time IN destination instead of figuring out how to get around during your trip.

Tour Experiences:

1. Private
   Private touring is very hard to differentiate from independent travel, as it is just yourself and your traveling companions. Private tours tend to be completely customizable so you can essentially do the trip you always wanted – but without the stress. These usually include private transportation so you’ll have your own driver and they often include a local guide who can share insights about the hidden gems of the city that you’re visiting.
   
   
2. Escorted
   This kind of touring can range quite significantly from the standard tour bus kind of experience, to being barely more than just transportation and hotels provided for a small group where you share the luxury shuttle or same hotel, but everyone can do their own thing during the days and evenings. Many will have included half-day tours should you want to join, and leave you the rest of the day to enjoy at leisure. Think of it as everyone chipping in for a group rate at a hotel or a group discount on a charter for transportation – all the benefits of group travel without having to actually travel with a group.
   
   
3. Family Touring
   This is a game changer in my opinion. I have planned so many lengthy itineraries for families who are traveling together, often as multi-generational with an older family member, in addition to small children. Multi-destination travel is often very complex between different airports, train terminals, ferry’s, sights and attractions, restaurants, hotel options – and those are just a few. When you add small children into the mix and have to logistically figure out how to carry luggage, backpacks, as well the children themselves - things can get stressful so quickly! The family tour experiences erase ALL that stress and allows you and your family to enjoy transportation between activities, someone else taking care of logistics and entertainment – as well as someone else to handle luggage! I can’t tell you how many clients rave about how successful and fun the vacation was when they return after they tried a tour over going it alone.
   
   
4. Undiscovered
   These are a relatively new kind of tour catering to those who have traveled more or just don’t really care about seeing the major “sights”. This kind of small group or private tour will take you to quaint picturesque towns and villages that are otherwise difficult to get to on your own. You’ll have the opportunity to truly immerse yourself with the locals and culture! Find beauty in these less-traveled areas and return with a unique story that will make others envious.  
   
   

Honestly, I could go on and on about the benefits related to touring, but the best way to really go into the nuts and bolts about the different kind of options and benefits offered, is to schedule an appointment with me! Book your consultation or call (913) 244-9195! 
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Stay safe, positive and hopeful! 
 Experiences Await...
#experiencesawait #destinationshd

Most of you are aware that I founded, built, and run this boutique travel agency – but what you might not know, is that travel advisors are commission based and that I pay my staff, and all costs associated with the business out of those commissions.  
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My greatest concern during this crisis has been to ensure that I am there for my clients. For the last month, I have assisted over 250 clients who have been impacted by what’s going on, and there are still many more I'm currently working with. As a travel concierge, I'm not only on your side when making your reservation by providing all the travel tips, tricks, and suggestions for your trip, but I'm also your point person should anything go awry – and it’s safe to say things have definitely gone awry.

I am so pleased to have the resources and network that I have spent a decade building, which has enabled me to assist clients as swiftly as possible during these times. However, as this crisis and worldwide travel restrictions continue, the financial impact to my business can’t be ignored. 

To that end, for those that have the inclination, I'd like to share how you can provide support to Destinations HD so that once we get through this, we are able to move forward and thrive stronger than before.

Here are some simple and easy options you can do to show us your support and appreciation! 

1. Follow Us on Social Media – And Engage!
   Please LIKE and FOLLOW us on our social media accounts – Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest are our primary accounts. The more likes and follows that we have, the more that we will show up in peoples newsfeeds. This is so important for small business owners!
   
   We would also love to spend some of this time connecting with our clients and followers, so if you have a moment to chime in with a comment, question or suggestion, please do! We really want to hear from you!
   
   
2. Leave a Review
   Have you used our services before, but didn’t have the time to leave a review? For those of you that may have some extra time on your hands - if you could drop a few lines now, that would be most helpful! 
   
   I find many clients from reading my positive reviews, so would be grateful if you could add your experience with my services as well. You can complete a review on any of these platforms that is convenient for you: 
   
   
   1. ​Wedding Wire
   2. Google business page 
   3. Facebook  
   4. Yelp
   5. Travel Leaders Profile
   6. Yellow Pages
      
      
3. ​Referrals
   Likewise, we receive many of our clients through word of mouth, so if you know someone who travels or is thinking about travel, a referral is a great way to show your appreciation and support for our small business to that we can continue serving our local and national community for years to come. You can find more about what travel and experiences Destinations HD specializes in online at: https://www.destinationshd.com/about.html
   
   
4. Don’t Forget About our Pick My Brain Service!
   Not ready to book OR you simply like to plan you own vacations, but you still want to get some professional assistance with narrowing down where to go, what to do, what areas are safe, when the best weather is, differences between resorts, whether or not you need to pay departure or arrival taxes, etc.? Utilize our “Pick My Brain” service where you pay a flat rate to get planning assistance from an expert – then when you’re ready to book, you can either go ahead and utilize our Travel Concierge service or book on your own! 
   
   
5. Book Future Travel
   While I don’t recommend you book travel you are not comfortable with or financially prepared for, I am more talking about booking for travel both late this year and into 2021 and 2022.  An important thing to keep in mind, is that with so many travelers displaced this year, and many of them forced to use credits that expire later this year and/or early next year - I'm seeing decreased availability for future travel as people reschedule their 2020 travel for 2021 already. If you normally like to plan a last minute getaway, you may not be able to find the space as you once could. So, if you think that you might want to plan something for next year, now is the time to plan! Remember, we also offer interest free monthly payment plans so you don’t have to put a huge amount on the line right away.

Thank you so much for your kindness and taking your time to show us your support. Together we can get through anything!
​
Stay safe, positive and hopeful! 

Book your consultation or call (913) 244-9195! 
 Experiences Await...
​#experiencesawait #destinationshd

• When is your travel date?

This is paramount if you’re considering canceling or rescheduling. As you can imagine, a global pandemic shutting down most of the world's borders in such a short period time has wreaked havoc among suppliers globally.
Throughout this evolving situation, most all suppliers (airlines, resorts, car rentals, tours, etc) have remained consistent in assisting those who are departing first.

Anyone who is slated to depart after early May are asked to remain patient and wait for the industry to catch up on those departing earlier than you.

There are two benefits to this:

1. You’re helping decrease the pressure on the industry by waiting your turn. People traveling in the next days and week aren't able to get the help they need - and in many cases, reports of crashing phone systems as they have never seen this kind of volume on a global scale - which is resetting your 4-8+ hour wait time.
    
2. You are more likely to receive a more favorable option should you be forced to cancel or re-schedule your travel. Terms and Policies are continually being updated to adapt to the fluid situation. 
   
   

• Why is everything taking so long?

Due to the rapid nature of the evolution in regards to COVID-19, the industry has been scrambling to make appropriate amendments to their cancellation policies and standard terms and conditions, in addition to processing all the credits and/or refunds. This requires a tremendous amount of manpower and administration work - and just like you, those employees are under the same work and travel restrictions.
Many personnel are trying to do their job from home amidst the same health concerns the entire world is facing, the only difference is their workload has increased dramatically and they are attempting to complete their duties without access to the same systems they had in the office.

Remember this is a GLOBAL crisis, so trillions of people are in need of assistance at the same time, in addition to you. Unfortunately, this circumstance is unlike anything we have ever seen, and it will take some time, patience and understanding as everyone is adapting to the changes and massive workload. The one consistency across the travel industry is the need to assist those who in order of travel dates - so those who are supposed to be traveling soon can receive help first.

• Why can’t I get a refund immediately?

The truth of the matter is that because no one knows how long this global crisis will last. The suppliers are remaining optimistic and only amending their cancellation policies for the “foreseeable future”. 
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At this time, the people scheduled to travel between now and mid-May may be eligible for credits, and possibly refunds. However, if you are traveling further out than that, the odds are you will still fall under the standard cancellation policies and would need to assume all penalties associated with canceling. This is why it could be in your best interest to hang tight and wait closer to your travel dates and see what the suppliers are offering at that time. Many companies are posting their updated terms on their website, so you can go online to visit your travel suppliers website to view what their most current terms are. 

I had some clients asking about cancelling weeks ago and had they done, so they would have lost thousands in payments already made, but as they waited and their travel dates got closer, I was able to secure credits and even refunds, depending on the situation and supplier.

I can honestly say that the industry has been doing a wonderful job of being there for our clients and all they’re asking for is a little patience so they have time to help everyone around the globe. 

• Will travel insurance cover me? 

Most travel insurance policies do NOT cover against a pandemic, and as this was a known event as of January 22nd, so it may be unlikely that your travel insurance policy is going to cover you if you’re unable to travel due to COVID-19, unless you purchased a policy with a “Cancel for Any Reason” waiver or purchased your policy prior to the labeled pandemic. The best thing you can do is reach out to your travel insurance company directly to receive the full terms of your particular coverage and reason for cancelling, as each case can be unique and only the insurance company can clarify their coverage benefits. 

• How can my travel advisor help?

If you've booked your travel through a travel advisor, you're in luck - we are here to help you navigate terms and conditions, waivers, cancellation policies and be a liaison between you and the different vendors that are coordinated to create your travel package. 

Many of you have a number of different components to your packages and my job is to help sort those out - whether it's getting train tickets in Europe refunded, submitting documentation and filling out forms for refunds, or supplying you with alternate tour, cruise, or reservation options for you to use your new credits towards. 

Additionally, your travel advisor often has different phone numbers to access suppliers and other connections within the industry that we can reach out to in order to facilitate a resolution and obtain answers to questions that are not readily available. No need for you to sit on hold for 7+ hours or deal with crashing phone systems during a crisis - we alleviate that stress! 

I've unfortunately seen a number of people struggling to reach the company they booked through, and in some cases, many travelers have been left with no one to speak to or anyone to help because of devious business practices and simply put, the lack of care and support for you as a client. If you have a good travel agent on your side, you can rest assure that we are doing everything we can to provide you as seamless experience as possible in a situation like this. No one should have to worry about anything but their health, communities and families at this time and if we can help ease our clients' lives right now, we will! 

An important fact to bear in mind is that suppliers aren't required to change their policies if the travel can still be completed – terms and conditions are legally binding and the fact that they really are trying to do the right thing throughout this tumultuous and unprecedented time, is commendable.

We are paying very close attention to those companies treating our clients fairly and honorably, so we can move forward after life returns to normal and develop stronger professional relationships with those vendors. You can remain confident that we only work with the best in the industry - and this crisis is a good reminder of the difference in the level of support and service you can receive.   

• We will get through this together!

Many of you have been planning weddings, graduations, honeymoons, anniversaries, family reunions and much needed vacations for so long. I understand how heartbreaking it is to have to not only reschedule or cancel your travel, but then have to worry about if you’re going to lose your hard-earned money as well. The staff here at Destinations HD are in the same boat and our hearts go out to all of you and to everyone suffering around the world right now, particularly our fellow humans on the front line who are risking their lives daily to help keep us safe enough to allow us to worry about travel plans.

I hope I managed to answer some questions today and was able to convey a little more insight into why it might seem like the travel industry is taking a little longer than preferable to assist with your cancellations or rescheduling.

Rest assured that we are all doing everything in our power to shoulder the burden and help you so that you can spend time with your family knowing that we are diligently working to ensure that you get fair treatment and resolutions.

I began this business over a decade ago because I wanted to help people experience the world through travel and I plan to continue helping my clients - old and new - well after this is over and for many years to come.
Thank you for your support and business over the years! Together we can get through anything!

Stay safe, positive and hopeful! 

*PS* For those quarantined and looking for ways to support small business at home... Please follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram and engage with our posts. Conversations are important to the algorithm behind the scenes that consider us "relevant" to be seen. That would be a huge help to us so we can continue to grow our business and hopefully find some new clients too - which will be needed as soon as we can travel again. Travel agents are paid on commission when clients travel, so it's important for us to continue to build our name and support. You're the best!!   

Book your consultation or call (913) 244-9195! 
Experiences Await...
​#experiencesawait #destinationshd

After touring a many hotel properties, visiting Prison Island to see the Aldabra Giant Tortoise sanctuary, quick stop to snorkel, walking tour of Stone Town and visiting the Slave Museum in just a few days - we were off to Nairobi for adventure, safari and the elusive Big 5! We spent a night in Nairobi so we could visit a couple sanctuaries before we headed on safari the next day.  Not only did I get to touch the baby elephant I adopted, but I also got to feed a hangry giraffe who thought it would be funny to nibble my finger instead – and with the exception of myself, everyone else there thought it was cute, so turns out he was right. ;) ​

As we neared the end of this unforgettable two weeks, it’s impossible to try to explain the feeling of driving under the African sun with a pack of lion cubs and their mums strolling idly around your car, with lions taking naps so close you could almost pat their manes as they lift their head and lazily eye you before deciding that napping is far more appealing than eating you and go back to sleep, and even the warthogs running scared as they heard our truck were so funny to see in person (Pumbaa, from the lion king, as we called them every time we saw them - so ugly they are cute).

The beautiful thing is that there are so many different ways to curate this experience -  you could combine it with trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro (even just a little hike if you're not ready for the full trekk), or throw Uganda into the mix and channel your inner Jane Goodall with a gorilla trek. You can select a camp hidden in the brush or stay right on the front lines and watch the great migration crossing the Masai river, observing the crocodiles lying in wait for their prey to saunter across.

This is probably one of the longest posts I’ve ever written, but it’s so hard to encapsulate everything I experienced via one short article - so if you’ve read to this point, I appreciate you taking the time to share a little of my journey with you. I also think that if you’ve read this far then you should give me a call or schedule an appointment so that we can chat about how to make your African dreams come true! I quickly found out this is not something you should wait for as a bucketlist trip - as tomorrow is never promised and you need to see this in person!

Book your consultation or call (913) 244-9195! 
Experiences Await...
#experiencesawait #destinationshd

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Valentine’s Day might be behind us now, but love will keep flowing as February is one of our biggest months to plan group travel. 
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My two favorite things in the world are travel and love – those two passions are what led me to having my own destination wedding because I couldn’t imagine anything more beautiful than combining travel and love.

After that, I was hooked and Destinations HD was born so I could live my life helping other people enhance their love with travel and embrace their travel with love. It makes me so happy to see my clients explore the world with the people they love – be it romantic love, family love or friend love.
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Some of my clients’ favorite trips have been the group vacations where they share their experiences with the people they love, such as destination weddings (which for obvious reasons hold a very special place in my heart!), group anniversary trips, family reunions/getaways, and friends just traveling together for a fun getaway.

Now trust me, there is a TON to take into consideration when booking group travel of any kind, but I just wanted to highlight a few of the great ways that you can combine your love of travel with your loved ones to really create meaningful memories and moments in the busy lives we all seem to lead these days...